TRIBUTES have poured in after a legendary kickboxer and MMA coach tragically died in his sleep.
Duke Roufus, 55, was a well-respected mixed martial arts trainer and has been described as a “celebrated trainer and champion kickboxer” by his long-time friend and business partner.
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Duke Roufus, champion kickboxer and MMA trainer, has died at 55Credit: Getty
Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis celebrating with Duke Roufus after defeating Benson HendersonCredit: MILWAUKEE, WI – AUGUST 31: (R-L) Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis celebrates with his coach Duke Roufus after defeating Benson Henderson in their UFC lightweight championship bout at BMO Harris Bradley Center on August 31, 2013 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
In a heartfelt tribute posted to social media, Scott Joffe announced Roufus’ death, saying he was a “mentor, innovator, father and friend whose influence transformed the landscape of mixed martial arts”.
“His knowledge, charisma, and passion inspired countless fighters to reach heights they never imagined possible,” Joffe wrote.
“From world champions to first-day students, everyone who crossed his path felt his genuine care and unwavering belief in their potential.
“His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the sport and in the hearts of all who knew him.”
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Roufus won multiple titles in his kickboxing career.
He fought for the final time in 2008.
UFC president Dana White was among the mourners who posted to social media, sharing a photo of himself together with Roufus, captioned “RIP”.
Anthony Pettis also posted a touching tribute, saying: “When my dad was killed you took me in and became my father”.
“Together we did the impossible and made it to the top!”.
Pettis accompanied the message with a gallery of pictures showing the pair together both in training and outside the octagon.
“I will always make you proud, you’ve taught me so much,” Pettis continued.
“I will make sure your legacy continues on.”
Askren was also among those posting tributes, saying: “Got terrible news last night that my long-time MMA coach passed”.
“Made me think back to when I moved to Milwaukee to be a full-time MMA fighter in 2011.
“[Roufus] welcomed me with open arms. I would watch him do for [so] many others over the preceding years, he was really special in that respect,” he said.
Sergio Pettis and coach Duke Roufus together in 2017Credit: Getty
Coach Duke Roufus resting after training with Paul Felder in Auckland, New Zealand, 2020Credit: Getty
Askren also added: “Duke built a really amazing culture which allowed so many to thrive”.
“Duke was truly an MMA pioneer, he will be missed greatly.”
CM Punk, WWE icon who spent a brief moment fighting in the UFC also mourned the legendary trainer.
“[Waking] up in Japan trying to process the news,” he wrote.
“It’ll take a while. You made me a better person, coach.”
Roufus reportedly died in his sleep on Thursday.
The icon first came to fame as a fighter, after following the footsteps of his older brother Rick Roufus.
He collected numerous titles along the way.
He transitioned into the role of coach full time in 2008, working out of his own gym in Wisconsin.
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Roufus became one of the most successful and well-respected coaches in the sport, working with multiple champions.
He also promoted fights and worked as a commentator during his legendary career in the sport.
Coach and trainer Duke Roufus with ‘CM Punk’ in 2016Credit: Getty